Back in Rotterdam. Berlin was great but now it is time for serious things such as finishing my studies and taking photos of the city.

It can actually be quite hard to "correctly" focus through the viewfinder with my new lens. A circumstance which can be frustrating at times. Luckily it is always possible to use the screen of the camera for the same purpose. The result can be anticipated much more easily this way. On the other hand it lacks the directness and engagement of working with the viewfinder.

These are quite selective photos. Almost no rain can be seen on them. It rains rather regulary in the Netherlands. Am I trying to portray this place in a favourable way? Am I sponsored by the tourism association of Zuid-Holland? I wish. But to be honest: I don't want to take my camera outside when it pours.

All these photos were taken in Feijenoord. This district lies south of the river Maas and could be compared with the Berlin district of Wedding in terms of how its population is composed. The city actively tries to gentrify the area, most notably close to the waterfront. Apart fromt that it is also home to the famous Feyenoord football club and to myself.

Taking photos of people on the street. A tricky subject. Of course the results can be very interesting. On the other hand you are invading somebodies privacy, especially if you take a photo where the face of the person is clearly visible. Maybe that posed less of a problem when not everyone was carrying a high-resolution camera in their pocket around at virually all times. The laws have also stepped up. It is always possible to just ask a person if you can take their photo. Maybe a good idea. But the shapes of the built-up urban environment can be very interesting as well.

To put somebodies photo online is of course a whole other matter. Basically you are putting yourself into dangerous territory if you do not have the person's permission to do so. Afterall this online space is public. At least in the case of this blog. You could say that it provides a personalised digitial exhibition space, where personal works can be displayed without the need for a gallery or a museum. Needless to say that it does not convey the same status as the two institutions just mentioned. The threshold is just too low and there are no third parties involved.
But that is also exactly what makes it interesting and very personal.

Tot ziens!